Cristiano Ronaldo has sprung the opposition’s defenders and goalkeepers over the years with his breathtaking finishing abilities. The Portuguese’s menacing skills, especially in the final third of the pitch, have often caused fright among the opposing teams. The latest witness to CR7’s potency is Sweden’s international goalkeeper Jacob Rinne.
Portugal’s number seven has continued his goal-scoring phenomenon with his recent club Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the worldwide appeal of the Saudi Pro League to the next level with his presence. Many soccer stars from different parts of the world are following CR7’s steps by venturing into the Saudi League.
According to the reports, recently the goalkeeper of Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh, Jacob Rinne, had something to say about CR7. The Swedish international stated, “I’m not afraid of any player, but you have to be careful of Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored a hat-trick against me”. The statement signifies that the Portuguese veteran is the only player who has struck fear in Rinne’s heart.
Jacob Rinne (Swedish International goalkeeper of Al Fateh):
“I’m not afraid of any player, but you have to be careful of Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored a hat-trick against me.” pic.twitter.com/zA1zNg0G7T
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) October 17, 2023
Jacob joined the Saudi League club Al Fateh in July 2022. The Swedish-born goalkeeper has played nine matches for the club since the start of the 2023-2024 season in the Saudi Pro League. In his total of 39 matches for Al Fateh, the 30-year-old has kept nine clean sheets. He has conceded 58 goals till now while commanding the goal in his matches for the club.
The Sweden international made his debut for the country in January 2016. He has so far represented his country three times on the international stage. The goalkeeper came through the ranks of the Swedish youth system, having played for Sweden’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams before.
On the other hand, Cristiano has already netted 25 goals for Al-Nassr this season. The 38-year-old Portuguese legend has iced his goals by further providing eight assists. CR7’s current contract with the Middle East-based club runs until the middle of the year 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s scintillating hat trick against Al Fateh
Al-Fateh was facing Al-Nassr in a Saudi Pro League clash on August 25, 2023. Sadi Mane gave Al-Nassr an early lead by scoring in the 27th minute of the match. Then CR7 began to spread his charm. The 38-year-old netted in the 38th minute to double his side’s lead. However, the Portuguese didn’t stop there.
He scored again just after 10 minutes of halftime. Sadio Mane chipped in again with an 81st-minute goal. Al-Nassr was heading to a comfortable victory by a margin of four goals. But CR7 had other ideas. The forward further approved his team’s dominance on the day by scoring a late extra-time goal in the dying moments of the match.
The 96th-minute goal helped the number seven complete his hat trick on the day and also propelled his side, Al-Nassr, to a 0-5 win. Fans would hope that the veteran springs more hat tricks in the near future in his latest stint with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.